Two historically significant buildings within Seoul's Gyeongbok Palace, which are normally closed to the public for preservation reasons, will open their doors to visitors for a special limited-time program this month. The Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the Korea Heritage Service announced that both Geoncheonggung and Hyangwonjeong will be accessible to the public from October 15 through October 31.
These two structures are located in the innermost section of Gyeongbok Palace, one of Seoul's most popular tourist destinations and the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty that ruled Korea from 1392 to 1910. Due to their historical importance and the need for careful preservation, these buildings are rarely opened to visitors, making this October program a unique opportunity for tourists and history enthusiasts.
Geoncheonggung holds particular significance in Korean history as it served as the royal residence of King Gojong, the last monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, and his wife, Queen Myeongseong. Built in 1873 following the reconstruction of Gyeongbok Palace during King Gojong's reign, this residence became the site of one of the most tragic events in Korean history when Queen Myeongseong was assassinated by Japanese forces in October 1895. This pivotal event marked a crucial turning point in Korea's relationship with Japan during the late 19th century.
The royal residence also holds the distinction of being where Korea's first electric lights were installed in 1887, representing the country's early steps toward modernization. However, after King Gojong relocated to the Russian legation for safety reasons, the Japanese colonial government dismantled Geoncheonggung around 1909 as part of their systematic destruction of Korean cultural heritage. The building remained lost for nearly a century until it was carefully restored to its original form in 2007, allowing modern visitors to experience this important piece of Korean royal history.
Hyangwonjeong, the second building included in this special program, represents the architectural elegance of the late Joseon era. This beautiful pavilion was constructed on an artificial pond and served as a peaceful retreat where members of the royal family could relax and enjoy moments of tranquility away from their official duties. The structure is particularly celebrated for its sophisticated design and harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape, showcasing the refined aesthetic sensibilities of Korean traditional architecture.
Visitors interested in participating in this rare opportunity must make advance reservations and purchase tickets at least one day before their planned visit. All bookings must be completed through the official ticketing website at https://nol.interpark.com, and the program will run exclusively during the designated period from October 15 to 31, offering a limited window for people to explore these normally restricted areas of Korea's most important palace complex.
